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Science News Archive April 2016 - Page 25


Page 25 of 39

Downwind safety on the farm

A new study provides science-based recommendations for setback distances between animal agriculture practices and fresh produce, aiming to improve food safety. The research found that produce fields should be set back at least 160 meters from areas of manure application to lower the risk of foodborne illness.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateApr 13, 2016

Southern California's reduction in smog linked to major improvement in children's health

A USC study found that improved air quality in the Los Angeles region has led to a significant reduction in respiratory symptoms among children, including bronchitic symptoms. The study tracked 4,602 children over 20 years and found a 16-32% decrease in these symptoms, even among those without asthma.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateApr 12, 2016

Researchers create insulin-producing beta cells in a dish

Scientists have discovered a nuclear receptor protein, estrogen-related receptor γ (ERRγ), that enables the maturation of human beta cells in vitro. This breakthrough overcomes a major challenge in diabetes research and holds promise for creating functional insulin-producing cells at will.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 12, 2016

Study links fetal and newborn dolphin deaths to Deepwater Horizon oil spill

A four-year study found substantial differences between fetal and newborn dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The researchers identified lung abnormalities and small size among stranded perinatal dolphins, suggesting they died in the womb or shortly after birth due to exposure to petroleum products.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalDiseases of Aquatic Organisms·DateApr 12, 2016

Tumble-proof cargo transporter in biological cells

Researchers have developed a new model of molecular transport using synthetic nanomotors on biopolymer filaments, effectively delivering substances such as anti-cancer drugs. The study's findings suggest that even small motors can operate efficiently without tumbling and losing direction.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateApr 12, 2016

Potential role for vaccine in malaria elimination

A new malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01, has been developed to combat the disease. Despite waning efficacy in infants and young children, researchers argue that the vaccine could still be used in targeted strategies to interrupt transmission in low-endemic areas.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 12, 2016

Antibiotic resistance genes increasing

Research by Michigan State University found that large-scale swine farms in China and the US are breeding ground for multidrug-resistant bacteria. Partner genes, which can confer resistance to multiple antibiotics, were discovered in Chinese soils and manure, highlighting the need for prudent agricultural antibiotic use.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalmBio·DateApr 12, 2016

Key switch in the immune system regulated by splicing

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München have identified two variants of the protein MALT1, which are regulated by posttranscriptional splicing and affect the immune response. The study found that stronger activation of T cells is associated with the MALT1A variant, while the MALT1B variant results in a weaker response.

Reclaiming 'shame'

Researchers are often hesitant to discuss shame, using terms like ostracism instead, according to UC Santa Barbara researcher Thomas Scheff. Scheff argues that conventional thoughts about shame see it as an emotion triggered by a particular stimulus, but he believes humans are built around shame and it's time to reclaim the term.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of General Practice·DateApr 12, 2016

Open-source collaborative platform to collect content from over 350 institutions' archives

A collaborative collection development platform called Cobweb is proposed to support comprehensive web archiving by coordinating independent activities of the web archiving community. The platform will leverage existing tools and sources of archival information to retrieve holdings data from over 3,500 collections across 350 institutions.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalResearch Ideas and Outcomes·DateApr 12, 2016

The pyrophilic primate

Human ancestors adapted to fire-prone environments by exploiting its foraging benefits, improving search and handling efficiency. This scenario provides a solution to the mismatch between fossil and archaeological records.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEvolutionary Anthropology Issues News and Reviews·DateApr 12, 2016

First description of 2015 Zika virus outbreak in Rio de Janiero

Researchers analyzed data and samples from 364 patients with acute skin rash, detecting ZIKV RNA in 119 blood samples. The study found the virus was introduced to Brazil from Asia, with at least some cases transmitted locally through mosquito bites or person-to-person contact.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateApr 12, 2016

Children of older mothers do better

Research suggests that children of older mothers are healthier, taller, and more educated than those born to younger mothers. Despite the risks associated with advanced maternal age, the benefits of delaying childbearing may outweigh these risks due to improvements in public health and social conditions over time.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateApr 12, 2016

Oxygen key to containing coal ash contamination

Researchers from Duke University demonstrate that oxygen levels in coal ash disposal sites greatly impact the leaching of toxic selenium and arsenic. The study suggests that ignoring oxygen conditions when closing ash ponds may not be a solution to the problem, and highlights the importance of considering this factor for safe disposal.

SourceDuke University·JournalApplied Geochemistry·DateApr 12, 2016

Standing up for comfort

Researchers found that users need different workstation components when standing at a computer workstation compared to sitting down. The final standing workstation setups were significantly different from seated workstation setups, with lower desks and monitors, and closer mouse and keyboard positions.

Consensus on consensus

A research team confirms that 97% of climate scientists agree human-caused climate change, with expertise being the primary factor in this consensus. The study drew from seven independent consensus studies and found a consistent picture with high levels of scientific agreement among climate experts.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 12, 2016

How climate change dries up mountain streams

A new study simulates climate change effects on Rocky Mountain stream systems, finding that warmer temperatures have a greater impact on streamflow than changes in precipitation type. This can lead to reduced streamflow and altered groundwater recharge patterns.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 12, 2016